In an interview with La Libre Belgique, Jacqueline Galant, MR Minister for Media, looks back at the major reforms launched to secure the future of the media landscape in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. At the heart of her action: an RTBF refocused on its essential missions, stronger support for the print press, and local media secured for the long term.
A more transparent RTBF, refocused on its core missions
With Christophe Dujardin taking the helm of RTBF, Jacqueline Galant intends to open a new chapter for the public broadcaster. The Minister wants to strengthen transparency in management, particularly regarding sports rights, ensure pluralism, and refocus RTBF on its fundamental missions: informing, enriching culture and educating. She also stresses the need to ensure fair competition between public and private media.
Supporting the print press, a pillar of our democracy
Faced with the economic difficulties experienced by the print press, Jacqueline Galant reaffirms her commitment to preserving this sector, which is essential to democratic debate. She is considering, among other things, that savings made at RTBF could contribute to funding the press. Parliamentary hearings will also provide an opportunity to consider modernising the support system, whose current framework dates back to 2004.
Stronger local media for the future
The Minister also defends her reform of local media, which plans to reduce the number of structures from 12 to 8 by 2031. The aim is not to reduce local coverage, but rather to consolidate structures to ensure their long-term viability. Financial support of up to €1.2 million per merged structure is planned, while maintaining the obligation to cover all municipalities.
Through these reforms, Jacqueline Galant pursues a clear ambition: to modernise our media landscape, ensure the responsible use of public funds, and preserve quality, pluralistic information that is accessible to all citizens.